Environment campaigner Ian Kiernan AO, founder of clean up campaigns Clean Up Australia Day and Clean Up the World, today launched the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2003 edition of Year Book Australia.

The 2003 edition of the Year Book has a special focus on the environment.

“This wealth of information on economic, social and now environmental conditions in Australia is essential to help us understand the relationship between the three and plan for a healthier environment,” said Mr Kiernan.

The inclusion of special feature articles on the environment, such as climate change and sustainable development makes this edition a timely reference tool for a nation facing ever-increasing threats from drought, bushfire and salinity.

In a tradition that dates back to 1908, this 85th edition of Year Book Australia provides a comprehensive overview of the economic and social conditions of contemporary Australia.

At todays launch the Australian Statistician, Dennis Trewin said, “The Year Book plays an important role as a valuable reference tool but also stimulates informed debate in the Australian community.”

“As an historical record, the Year Book is Australia’s statistical treasure chest. There is something for everyone.

“The release of this flagship ABS publication is an opportune time to extend thanks and appreciation to those who through the year have helped the ABS collect and publish an extraordinarily large range of data and information”, he said.

More detail from the Year Book Australia (cat. no. 1301.0) is available by subject in the "Australia Now" section of this web site.